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Body of Halifax woman found in pond behind Nick & Angelo’s

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Special to The Express

BRIDGEWATER – Police Chief Christopher Delmonte reports that the Bridgewater Police Department is investigating a body recovered from a local pond Tuesday  night.

On Tuesday, April 19, police received a 911 call at 6:07 p.m. The caller reported that a woman’s body was floating in the middle of a pond behind the plaza at Nick’s & Angelo Pizza Place, on the Bridgewater side of 2105 Plymouth St.

East Bridgewater Fire retrieved the body of Cheryl Siegel, age 34, of Halifax. She was discovered by her boyfriend and boyfriend’s sister after she had been reported missing.

Initial inspection of the body revealed no obvious signs of trauma, but Bridgewater Police are waiting for the autopsy results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Although the investigation is ongoing, the woman’s death is believed to be a suicide.

The incident remains under investigation by Bridgewater Police Detective Joseph DeMoura and an investigator from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Officers from the East Bridgewater and Halifax Police Departments are also assisting in the investigation, along with the Bridgewater and East Bridgewater Fire Departments.

Parks Opening party Saturday in Plympton

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The Plympton Open Space Committee reminds residents and friends that we are celebrating  the official opening of Plympton Parks on Saturday, April 23, from noon until 3 pm. This event will feature several special activities, including a “scavenger hunt” for children that focuses on the natural features of the Parks, guided tours of the trails and ongoing acoustic music for all to enjoy. 

At 1p.m., there will be a short ceremony to thank the organizations and individuals who have given their time and talents to make the Parks a reality. Invited guests include the descendants of the Churchill Family, Representative William Keating, the Wildlands Trust, and the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts. The old “gravel pit” is the location for the ceremony and the start of all other events.

Attendees are asked to park at the Dennett School and use the Ring Road entrance to the Parks. Plympton police will be on hand to facilitate safe crossing of Ring Road for attendees and their families. If you require transportation to reach the gravel pit area, volunteers will provide you with a ride from the school area. Please call Jane Schulze at 781 585 4771 to request this assistance.

Rain date is Sunday, April 24. The Open Space Committee thanks everyone who has supported this project and hopes you will be there to help celebrate!

Cranberry Equestrian Team compete at IEA Nationals

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In the 2010-11 season, the Cranberry Equestrian Middle School Team, “CET” for short, an Interscholastic Equestrian Team, was champion of Zone 1, made up of the six New England states, qualifying them for the IEA National Finals in Maryland.     Last weekend, five years later, the Cranberry Equestrian Middle School Team once again finished in the top three of 18 teams at the Zone 1 Finals, qualifying them for the IEA National Finals once again, this year to be held in Lexington, KY at the Alltech Arena at Kentucky Horse Park.

The Cranberry Equestrian Middle School Team is based at Reunion Farm, Plympton Village, and is coached by Macaela Burnet, Geraldine Burnet, and Betsy Kupic.

The middle school team will travel to Lexington, KY to compete against 18 delegate teams from across the country April 20 through 24.

What does it take to bring a team of riders and a group of horses a thousand miles?  “It takes a lot,” said Geraldine Burnet, owner of Reunion Farm.  “A lot of effort and a lot of money.”  Burnet continued, “We are all proud of the effort our team put forth for a chance to compete at the national level, and hope we will be able to get them there.”

As you can imagine, there are large costs involved with the endeavor.  Each team member has to pay for airfare, hotel, coaching, local transportation, and meals.   

To that end, the Cranberry Equestrian Team will hold a fundraiser this Saturday morning, April 2, at Reunion Farm, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring the kids and treat them to pony rides, a petting zoo, and a bake sale. Saturday night, April 2, the indoor riding arena will become home to games and two big screen family friendly  movies from 6-9:30, bring the family!  The cost is $20 per child, with a $35 family cap.  The price includes popcorn, pizza, and soda.

This team will work hard to raise what they need to get where they need to go.  They hope the community will pitch in and give them a hand.

Throughout the school year, the Cranberry Middle School Team held practice sessions once or twice each week and competed in a maximum of five events per student so that the playing field is level for each rider.   Once a student has accumulated enough points, 18 this year, they qualify for post-season regional finals, which were held Feb 27 and 28 at Stoneleigh Burnham School in Greenfield, moving forward three riders per event onto the Zone 1 finals, held this year at Mt. Holyoke College, March 26, and 27.

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association is made up of 350 teams from across the country, in grades 6-12, who enter competitions on completely equipped horses that are provided at each venue to the students.   

Since the horse is new to the rider, the scores are based upon horsemanship and equitation, and the skills the rider exhibits in controlling and bringing out the best attributes of the horse.

All disciplines offer a variety of ability levels from beginner through advanced. The IEA has set guidelines for the placement of new riders entering the IEA to allow for the unique program format of riding an unfamiliar horse.

For student equestrians in grades 6-12, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) was established in the spring of 2002 and held its first annual national finals event the following year in Willoughby, Ohio. A non-profit organization, the IEA has grown both geometrically and geographically each year. 

John Traynor is candidate for Selectman

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To all Plympton Residents:

I would like to announce my candidacy for Selectman of the Town of Plympton. A resident of the town since 1970, my wife Brenda and I have deep roots in the town. All three of our children went through Dennett Elementary and then onto Silver Lake Regional High School.

A graduate of Bentley College, with a degree in Accounting and Finance, I worked in private industry for over twenty five years in the business analysis and financial field, with an emphasis on long-range planning. During my eighteen years with Digital Equipment I made the transition from finance into consulting and sales as the senior corporate account manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

I have previously served twelve years on the Plympton Finance Committee, eight years as a Plympton Library Trustee, and the last eight years as Town Moderator. In addition I am a member of the committee addressing the Department of Revenue recommendations for the town, as well as a member of the Committee working with the University of Massachusetts Collins Center, through a State grant, to develop financial forecasts, a capital spending plan, and financial policies for the Town.

A member of the Upland Sportsman’s Club since 1970 I have served in the past as Club President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Director. I am also a member of the Plympton Garden Club and the Plympton Historical Society.

I am running for the Selectman’s position because I believe it’s important to continue the work of developing sound financial planning for the Town and to provide the leadership necessary to balance providing services without an undue tax burden. Plympton has a unique character that we all want to preserve.  I believe my extensive experience and knowledge of the town will serve Plympton well.

I would appreciate your vote on Saturday, May 21st.

John Traynor

Crescent Street

“Triple Tragedy” in Halifax, 1874

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The Halifax Historical Society will host local author John F. Gallagher at its April 11 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Albert E. Kiernan Schoolhouse, South St., Halifax.

After 30 years with the Boston Police Department, rising to the rank of superintendent and chief of detectives, John F. Gallagher retired and turned to writing stories about true local crimes.

His latest venture brought him to Halifax to investigate the Sturtevant Murders. Brothers Thomas Sturtevant and Simeon Sturtevant along with their housekeeper, Mary Buckley were brutally murdered in the Old Sturtevant homestead February 15, 1874.

All are welcome to join us as we listen to John tell of his research into this heinous crime perpetrated “just down the street,” Thompson Street, that is.

Gallagher’s interest in history and genealogy, paired with his background in criminal investigation, motivated him to write about century-old murders on the South Shore.

His first book, Murder on Broadway: A History of Homicide in Hanover, was followed by his second volume, Arsenic in Assinippi, about retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Joseph Giles Eaton’s suspicious death in Norwell in 1913.

He will bring copies of his books, Murder on Broadway: A History of Homicide in Hanover, and Arsenic in Assinippi: and The Trial of Jennie May Eaton for the Murder of Her Husband, Rear Admiral Joseph Eaton, for anyone interested in those stories as well.John and his wife, Jeanne, live in Hanover All are welcome to attend.

Plymouth Police Academy graduates

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Plympton Police Department graduates

The Plympton Police Department is proud to announce the recent graduation of three Plympton Police Department sponsored recruits from the 61st Plymouth Police Academy.

Michael Gagnon, Jr., Alexander Nevarez and John Simon received their Academy Diplomas on Friday, March 11, at a ceremony held at Memorial Hall in Plymouth, which was attended by Plympton Police Chief Patrick Dillon and other members of the department.  Those in attendance included other area Police Chiefs, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz and Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald.     

The academy, which graduated 40 recruits, began on September 22, 2015 and ended on March 11, 2016.  Recruits were trained in all phases of police work, including, but not limited to, Criminal Law, Motor Vehicle Law, Constitutional Law, CPR and First Responder and Applied Patrol Procedures.

Gagnon, a lifelong Plympton resident, Simon, a Lieutenant in the United States Army National Guard and Nevarez, a Brockton resident, have all applied to the Plympton Police Department for a position as a Police Officer and are being considered for various positions.

A Silver Lake Softball Superstar prepares for her final Season

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Silver Lake Regional High School pitcher Maddy Barone is heading into the final chapter of what has been a storied career playing for the Lakers.

The 17-year-old Barone is just now entering her senior campaign, but her stats would make you think otherwise. Through three seasons, Barone has put up astronomical numbers.

It all started during Barone’s freshman season, when she started to turn heads seemingly every time on the mound. Her 16-3 record and 0.48 ERA guided the Lakers to a 20-3 record and a trip to the Division 1 South Sectional semifinals.

As her sophomore season rolled around, she was even better—bolstering a career-best 0.15 ERA, while throwing a perfect game, five no-hitters, 16 shutouts, striking out 190 batters and winning 16 games. Barone’s bat was equally effective—posting a career-high .536 average, while hitting six home runs and driving in 31.

It was during her junior year, last season, when Barone’s success started to pay dividends in the playoffs. Barone recorded an 11 strikeout, shutout win performance against Milford in the Division 1 South Sectional quarterfinals two games before her 10 strikeout, complete game win led her team to a Division 1 South Sectional finals win. Though the Lakers fell short in the Division 1 state finals against St. Peter-Marian.

Silver Lake Regional High School head coach, Tony Pina, said he’s seen Barone, a team captain last season, grow a great deal since his arrival in 2014.

“Her ability to lead and become more vocal on the field has evolved over the years,” Pina said. “Her desire to add more pitches and become more confident with them has been impressive.”

As Barone enters her last go around in a Lakers’ uniform, she said there are numerous reasons that make her eager to get back on the field.   

“I’m [extremely] excited to play with all my teammates for one last season,” Barone said. “I’m looking forward to having another great season.”

Over the offseason, Barone said she has been playing on an indoor team at the Bridgewater Sports Complex while attending pitching lessons every other week. Pina said Barone’s work ethic is second to none.

“It’s one of the best I’ve encountered in 22 years,” Pina explained.

Barone, the 2015 Patriot League MVP for Softball, said she does see an area of her game that she is striving to improve.

“I want to get better at reading batters, in terms of what pitches to throw them,” Barone said. “I’ve been working on perfecting some pitches and learning new ones.”

There is one goal, which the Lakers came away from achieving last season, Barone said she would like to accomplish before she graduates.

“I want to get back to the state finals and win,” Barone said.

While in the midst of leading her team to the playoffs last season, Barone was also in the process of making a monumental choice regarding her softball career. Her decision was to commit to attend Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to play softball, starting in the fall of 2016. She then signed on with SNHU this past November. Pina said he has no doubt she will succeed at the collegiate ranks.

“Maddy is the complete package,” Pina said. “She has the heart for the game and the mind to think and play it the right way. She is a hard worker and is never satisfied. People at the next level need that drive and hunger to accomplish more, to be more. Maddy is a winner, as a player and as a person.”

School Lunch Menus for Feb. 28 to Mar. 5

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Dennett Elementary School

 

Monday – Baked macaroni and cheese, dinner, Romaine side salad, fresh fruit.

Breakfast – Mini pancakes with syrup, bacon.

 

Tuesday – French toast sticks with syrup, sausage, carrot sticks, warm applesauce.

Breakfast – Cheese omelet, sausage.

 

Wednesday – Popcorn chicken, whipped potato, corn. Tomato and cheese salad, chilled fruit.

Breakfast – McDennett Sandwich. Yogurt.

 

Thursday – Twin mini cheeseburgers, Romaine salad with dressing, Gold Fish crackers, fresh fruit.

Breakfast – Mini waffles with syrup, bacon.

 

Friday – Cheese pizza, Caesar salad with dressing, baked potato chips, hummus, fresh fruit.

Breakfast – “Chef’s Choice.”

 

Halifax Elementary School

 

Monday – Hamburger or cheeseburger on a bun, lettuce, tomato, pickles with baked beans and vegetable sticks.

 

Tuesday – STICKER DAY! Chicken Fajita with Salsa, Rice, Mexicala corn and vegetable sticks with dip.

 

Wednesday – Pizza sticks with sauce, green beans and and vegetable sticks with dip.

 

Thursday – Pancakes with syrup, ham, roasted carrots and potato puffs.

 

Friday – Macaroni and cheese, with broccoli and and vegetable sticks with dip.

 

 

Silver Lake Middle School

 

Monday – Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla, rice pilaf, Mexican corn, chilled fruit.

 

Tuesday – “Pasta Bar”, bread stick, green beans, fruit cup.

 

Wednesday – Breaded chicken nuggets with dipping sauce, gravy. Mashed potato, broccoli, chilled fruit.

 

 

Thursday – Nachos with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomato and cheese, sweet potato fries, fruit cup.

Friday – Big Daddy’s cheese or pepperoni pizza, fresh garden salad with dressing, fresh fruit, hummus.

 

 

 

Silver Lake High School

 

Monday – Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla. Rice pilaf, Mexicorn cornk, chilled fruit.

 

Tuesday – “Pasta Bar”, bread stick, green beans, fruit cup.

 

Wednesday – Breaded chicken nuggets with dipping sauce, gravy, mashed potato, broccoli, chilled fruit.

 

Thursday – Nachos with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomato and cheese, sweet potato fries, fruit cup.

 

Friday – Big Daddy’s cheese or pepperoni pizza, fresh garden salad with dressing, fresh fruit, hummus.

 

Halifax Chief has staffing plans model

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Halifax Chief has staffing plans model; No new stop sign

On Tuesday, November 24th the Halifax Board of Selectmen met and held a stop sign hearing, heard from Fire Chief Jason Vivieros about staffing changes, preliminarily approved two Eagle Scout projects and met with the FinCom and department heads to discuss the upcoming budget season.

Sign stopped

The board discussed a resident request for a “Stop” sign at the intersection of 12th Avenue and Lingan Street.

The matter originally was referred to the Traffic Study Committee, a committee that advises the Board of Selectmen concerning traffic safety issues such as speed limits, signage, crosswalks and commercial traffic.

The Traffic Study Committee meets monthly, but the Express was unable to obtain minutes from the meeting where this specific request was discussed as of press time.

Police Chief Edward Broderick, a member of the Committee, stated to the Board that the Committee had determined any “Stop” sign would be unenforceable at that intersection, but that they were open to a yellow, triangular warning sign such as “Slow” or “Children Ahead.”

Generally, according to Town Administrator Charlie Seelig, a variety of factors are taken into account when determining signage, including the amount of traffic in an area.

Federal and State laws must be followed as well as Halifax’s own traffic by-laws.

The “Stop” sign was denied, but Selectman Troy Garron asked that a letter of explanation be sent to the residents in the area.

Several other citizen requests for signage have come in, and are now with the Traffic Study Committee, which meets at the Police Station on the second Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m., according to the Town’s website.

Staffing changes at the Fire Department

Fire Chief Jason Vivieros came before the board to present staffing changes that he plans to implement in the coming years.

These changes are being made in consultation with the Fire Study Committee. His stated goal is to fill gaps in fire and EMS coverage, address safety issues, enhance the ability of the department to address administrative functions and to engage and create incentives for call firefighters.

His proposal, according to his projections, will actually reduce taxes while increasing staffing, by increasing ambulance fees and shifting the timing of when full-time firefighters are staffing the station to the busiest times of day.

Currently, Halifax has eight full-time firefighter/paramedics, two of which need to be on duty 24/7 to man an Advanced Life Support ambulance. There are 20 call firefighters, 13 of which are EMTs. Paramedics have more extensive medical training than EMTs.

This current situation does not meet the recommendations of several National fire-fighting associations. The station is unmanned several times a day when staff are out on calls, therefore call personnel are needed. On average, this adds five minutes to a response time.

If no or not enough call personnel “sign-on” to a call, Halifax must rely on mutual aid agreements with neighboring towns. In 2014 alone, no call personnel signed-on to a call 11 times.

Vivieros stated that Halifax “relies heavily” on mutual aid.

Call volume has gone up, as well, as the median age has increased in town. Vivieros projects 1,535 calls for 2015, up from 1,121 in 2006.

The Chief will therefore add two full-time day positions, and shift some night coverage to part-time personnel, increasing staffing during the busiest times of the day.

Any savings found will go back to the general fund or reduce the general tax levy.

FinCom, department heads, and level service

The Finance Committee met concurrently with the Selectmen along with department heads to hash out some numbers for the FY’17 budget.

The focus of the discussion was the unpredictability of the Silver Lake Regional School District budget, and the need to essentially guess certain unpredictable areas of the budget, such as the special education budget.

The idea of telling SLRSD an amount of money that Halifax can live with and insist that Silver Lake work with it was floated.

Department heads were instructed to provide “level-service,” that is, the same amount, or level, of service as last year so that taxes do not have to be raised (or only raised the least amount possible.)

Eagle Scout proposals ‘wow’ the Board

Jakob Burgess, a freshman, and Michael Connors, a sophomore at Silver Lake Regional High School, came before the Board to ask for permission to move forward with their community service projects in order to obtain the Boy Scout rank of “Eagle Scout.”

Burgess is seeking to spruce up the Margaret Meyer Outdoor Amphitheater by repairing the stage, railing and eight benches, all in need of restoration. Connors is seeking to put up new, clearer signs along with some landscaping at the ball fields at the Vaughn Athletic Complex adjacent to the Police Station.

Although the Selectmen expressed their initial approval and enthusiasm for the projects, they also began educating the young men on the subject of municipal bureaucracy.

Both gentlemen will have to seek the same approval as anybody else from various boards, committees and officials in town. Connors was especially cautioned that because his project falls within a historic district, he will have to conform to the requirements of the Historic District Commission.